The Red Cross needs heroes, and they are stepping up in the Crossroads.

"Heroes for the American Red Cross" is a grassroots, fundraising campaign in which local businesses, school groups, church groups, civic clubs and individuals pledge to raise $1,000 for the local Red Cross chapter, according to a news release from the Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"The heroes campaign is important to our chapter for many different reasons," said Debbie Ramirez, community outreach associate, noting that Red Cross services can all be helped with the fundraising effort. "Anyone can be a hero and there are so many different ways money can be raised."

"Each hero is not alone. They are able to recruit others to help them reach their goal," said Ramirez.

The fundraising starts Saturday as the 2010 campaign kicks off at 7 a.m. with a 5K run and walk at Riverside Park.

The event is being organized by Brandee Bratton, owner of Healthy Image, a private training center at 507 N. Vine St. in Victoria.

"I'm excited about this opportunity for myself and Healthy Image because working and helping our community has always been a goal," Bratton said in the news release. "I don't look at it as being a hero, rather it is the Red Cross and the people within the Red Cross who are the real heroes. It is an honor to be part of this campaign and give back to those who give so much of themselves."

Registration fee for the 5K is $20 and the first 100 participants will receive a goody bag that includes a hero T-shirt.

Other heroes include sisters Shai-Ann Sims, 13, and Sienna Sims, 8, who will sell snacks in their neighborhood to reach their goal, according to the news release. The sisters are also planning a movie night in their home, inviting neighborhood children over for movies and popcorn for a $5 donation to their heroes' campaign.

"It's something positive for the kids to do and, at the same time, it's helping a wonderful cause," Ramirez said.

Gary Moses is the 2010 Heroes campaign chair. The goal is $25,000 to enable the chapter to continue to provide services in Victoria, DeWitt, Calhoun, Lavaca, Goliad and Jackson counties. Those services include assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications and disaster preparedness information.

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HOW TO HELP

To become a Red Cross hero, call Debbie Ramirez at 361-573-2671 or contact her via e-mail at dramirez@crossroads-redcross.org.